FAO helps Albania boost dairy development and ensure a comprehensive approach to increase productivity

Tirana, Albania - As part of the FAO project "Supporting the dairy value chain for a more competitive and inclusive sector", together with our partners we gathered to discuss issues affecting the most sensitive livestock sector, improve competitiveness, increase productivity and achieve food standards. The project comes as a response to a rapidly declining milk sector in the country, which needs an intervention for a new success story in the Albanian milk sector.

The meeting of high representatives, that took place on July 1, in Tirana, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in cooperation with FAO, presented the findings of a basic study on the existing quantity and quality of fresh milk, as well as the way for improving market access of smallholders. At the meeting were present the ambassador of the Netherlands Reinout Vos, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Frida Krifca, the FAO representative for Albania, Raimund Jehle, national and international partners, who have contributed to the development program of the dairy sector in Albania.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Frida Krifca, stressed that the livestock sector is one of the ministry's priorities, as one of the sectors that is undergoing significant changes, from the structure of family livestock farms, the number of heads, the decrease of milk production. "There is an immediate need at this moment in the sector, to increase investment, invest in human capacity and farmers' education, to increase production yield and ensure a consolidated value chain. And this ambitious goal cannot be fully achieved without the involvement of all international actors and donors", said Minister Krifca. Thanking FAO as a strategic partner, she encouraged the support of the Ministry for the implementation of integrated measures plan of this sector and in particular the support of the sector and the social layer that it is represented.

FAO representative for Albania, Raimund Jehle, focusing on the difficult times we live in and its implications, COVID-19, the increase in the price of oil, the implications of the conflict in Ukraine in the food price crisis and the price increase in fertilizers, expressed that the strengthening of global production and the efficiency of the agricultural sector requires more attention."Strengthening the dairy sector is a key element, as it is a potential for the country, as the dairy sector is linked to domestic exports and tourism. This project aims to support the sector based on the results of the surveys and analysis, in the implementation of new program by adding value in technology and innovation, and together with our partners, to support the value chain of the dairy sector", said Jehle. Adding that the effect is positive, as even in times of crisis we are able to invest in this sector and guarantee safety, leaving no one behind.

The project will contribute to the design of "Dairy development program" which creates a comprehensive approach to increase productivity, to ensure the collection of high quality raw milk, to maintain quality standards and fast delivery to the processing plant at the lower cost.  

The project is in the framework of Country Programming Framework for the Republic of Albania, and is linked to FAO Regional initiatives to RI1. Empowering smallholders, family farms and youth, facilitating rural livelihoods and poverty reduction and RI2. Transforming food systems and facilitating market access and integration.